Everything You Should Know Before Moving to La Selva Beach, CA
La Selva Beach, CA is a cozy coastal community of about 2,500 residents, offering a relaxed lifestyle with stunning ocean views and a mild climate. The median home price is $1,250,000, and average rent for a two-bedroom runs around $3,200—reflecting the area's high desirability. Residents enjoy low violent crime rates (120 per 100K), highly rated nearby schools, and a median household income of $117,000. With 71% sunny days, easy access to the beach, and a short 31-minute commute to nearby cities, La Selva Beach is ideal for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty along California’s coast.
Demographics - La Selva Beach, CA
Demographics - La Selva Beach, CA
La Selva Beach is a small coastal community with around 2,500 residents and a population density of 1,800 per square mile. The median age is 48.2, creating a mature and settled atmosphere, and about 15% of residents speak a language other than English. The area is predominantly White, with a balanced gender ratio and a diverse mix of cultures.
Population:
2,500
Density:
1,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
75.0%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
2.5%
Others:
21.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in La Selva Beach, CA?
The cost of living in La Selva Beach is significantly above the national average, with a cost of living index of 178 and a median home value of $1,250,000. Monthly expenses such as rent and utilities are also high, reflecting the area's desirability and coastal location. Residents should expect elevated housing, grocery, and transportation costs compared to most U.S. cities.
Median House Value:
$1,250,000
Gross Rent:
$3,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$1,900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$950
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
178.0
Grocery:
124.0
Housing:
298.0
Utilities:
115.0
Transportation:
140.0
Health Care:
120.0
Miscellaneous:
116.0
Crime
Is La Selva Beach, CA a safe place to live?
La Selva Beach enjoys low violent crime rates, with only 120 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 830 chance of being affected. Property crime is somewhat higher but still manageable, with a 1 in 59 chance. Overall, the community provides a safe environment for residents seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
120
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,700
Crime Index:
1,820
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 830
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 59
Weather
What is the weather like in La Selva Beach, CA year-round?
The area boasts a mild coastal climate, with summer highs averaging 73°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 43°F. Residents enjoy about 71% sunny days each year, and the region receives moderate rainfall, averaging 26.5 inches annually. This pleasant weather is ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying the beach year-round.
Winter
Min:
43°F
Max:
61°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
73°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
26.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
71%
Neighbors
La Selva Beach is an affluent community, with a median household income of $117,000 and a family income of $139,000. Most residents are highly educated, with 52% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, and the poverty rate remains low at 7%. The average commute time is about 31 minutes, and public transportation use is minimal.
Median Income:
$56,000
Household Income:
$117,000
Family Income:
$139,000
Per Capita Income:
$62,000
Income Male:
$68,000
Income Female:
$57,000
Poverty Rate:
7.0%
Non English Speakers:
15.0%
Rent:
$3,200
Unemployment Rate:
4.0%
Public Transport Usage:
2.0%
Commute Time:
31.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.0%
Bachelors or More:
52.0%
Education
How are the schools in La Selva Beach, CA?
La Selva Beach offers access to quality education, with public schools like Valencia Elementary and Aptos Junior High serving local families and maintaining favorable student-teacher ratios. Private school and college options, including Cabrillo College just 5 miles away and UC Santa Cruz within 16 miles, provide a range of educational opportunities. The community places a strong emphasis on educational attainment, making it ideal for families.
Public Schools
Name:
Valencia Elementary School
Street:
250 Aptos School Rd
Phone:
831-685-6970
Students:
590
Student Teacher Ratio:
21:1
Name:
Aptos Junior High School
Street:
1001 Huntington Dr
Phone:
831-688-6565
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
22:1
Private Schools
Name:
Salesian Elementary & Junior High
Street:
605 Enos Ln, Corralitos
Phone:
831-728-5518
Students:
220
Colleges
Name:
Cabrillo College
City:
Aptos
State:
CA
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
11,200
Name:
UC Santa Cruz
City:
Santa Cruz
State:
CA
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
19,300
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Dominican Hospital and Watsonville Community Hospital nearby, both offering emergency services. The community benefits from a high rate of health insurance coverage at 93.5% and 2.9 physicians per 1,000 people. Healthcare services are well-rated and accessible for most residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Dominican Hospital
Address:
1555 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Phone:
(831) 462-7700
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Watsonville Community Hospital
Address:
75 Nielson St, Watsonville, CA 95076
Phone:
(831) 724-4741
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.5%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in La Selva Beach, CA?
The housing market in La Selva Beach is competitive, with a median home price of $1,250,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $3,200. Most homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a low rental vacancy rate of 3.2%. Home values have seen steady appreciation, making it a sought-after location for buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$1,250,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
DMV services for La Selva Beach residents are provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Capitola. Residents can access driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other DMV services both in person and online. The Capitola DMV is easily accessible and serves the local community efficiently.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4200 Capitola Rd, Capitola, CA 95010
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.